I am working exclusively with a highly respected Global Manufacturing Company operating across the UK & Ireland — in their search to hire a Head of Legal to oversee all legal, governance and compliance matters within the organisation as a Sole Counsel
This is a Sole Counsel role within a complex, multi‑disciplinary business, offering the chance to directly influence commercial strategy, risk management and long‑term operational success.
As Head of Legal, you will be the go-to legal expert for the UK & Ireland business, partnering with senior leaders to drive commercial decisions and manage risk with confidence.
What You’ll Do
- Act as Sole Counsel—trusted adviser to Sales, Operations, Finance, IT and H&S
- Lead commercial contracting, including equipment, supplier, software and construction agreements (incl. JCT Design & Build)
- Drive legal input on bids and tenders, enabling growth while protecting the business
- Own compliance and governance across key areas including GDPR, anti-bribery, competition law and corporate governance
- Manage disputes spanning contracts, product liability, debt recovery and insolvency
- Oversee external counsel, ensuring quality and cost control
- Support strategic projects, identifying and mitigating legal risk early
Why This Role?
- High-impact, standalone position with real influence
- Broad remit across commercial, compliance and strategic legal work
- Direct exposure to senior leadership and business-critical decisions
About You
You will be a confident, commercially minded legal leader with:
Essential Requirements
- Qualified solicitor (England & Wales or equivalent).
- Strong post‑qualification experience gained in‑house and/or private practice.
- A solid grounding in commercial law across complex contractual environments.
- Experience advising senior stakeholders in a multifaceted business.
- Industry exposure to engineering, logistics, construction, or capital equipment (advantageous).
Key Competencies
- Excellent drafting, negotiation and communication skills.
- Strong commercial judgement with the ability to balance legal risk against business priorities.
- Collaborative and influential approach, able to work cross-functionally.
- High integrity and professionalism.
- Proven track record of managing external legal partners and controlling legal spend.
- Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
The Package
- Salary: Up to £100,000
- Car Allowance: £6,600
- Annual Bonus: Performance‑based
- Pension: Generous employer contributions, up to 10% matched
- Healthcare: Comprehensive private medical insurance
- Protection: Income protection included
- Holiday: 25 days annual leave, rising to 28 days with length of service, plus bank holidays
Interested? If you would like to learn more or discuss the role confidentially, please get in touch.